Blazing Trails Across America

(OKLAHOMA CITY)– Dale Rogers Training Center recently served as a pit stop of sorts for New York-based “Guys Group” with nonprofit People, Inc.

The group, comprised of 4 people with disabilities and 2 mentors, began their journey from Buffalo, New York, in May 2015.  Their mission: make a documentary to show that anyone can pack up and hit the road making their own memories.  Other stops in the 6,000 mile journey included Estes National Park, Colorado, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Hollywood and the Grand Canyon.  The trip also served educational purposes.  Individuals practiced and learned planning, budgeting, safety and social skills before and during their expedition.

DRTC took notice of the group’s “blazing trails” and reached out to People, Inc.  Through the magic of social media and a little bit of phone tag, Guys Group was able to fit DRTC in on the trip back home.

The group was able to speak with and answer questions from individuals in Dale Rogers Training Center’s Vocational Services program.  One of the highlights was when Eric sang, “Oklahoma!” for those in attendance.  Hearing the story of their trip may have sparked dreams of cross-country travel originating from OKC.  When asked if they wanted to come to New York and visit People, Inc., DRTC’s folks gave a resounding, “YES!”

DRTC staff members mic’ed up for the documentary and took Guys Group on a tour of the main campus at 2501 N. Utah Ave. in OKC, showing various programs (Wyman Frame, Prism Place, Special Needs Program and Vocational Services among others).

After the brief stop, the guys loaded back up and began their journey back to Buffalo.  DRTC wishes them safe travels the rest of the way!

People, Inc. offers services to people with developmental disabilites, special needs and seniors to live independent, productive lives.  The organization, founded in 1970, serves 12,000 people a year.

We’ll have more details on the documentary as it becomes available.

To follow Guys Group’s journey from Buffalo and back, Crossing Borders WNY Facebook page.

Dale Rogers Training Center (DRTC) is the oldest and largest community vocational training and employment center for people with disabilities in Oklahoma. With multiple locations in Oklahoma, DRTC trains or employs more than 1,100 people with disabilities per year. Visit us online: DRTC.org.

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